Conduit Link System Concealing Wires in Suspended Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of suspended loads like chandeliers is hindered by unsightly and tangled electrical conduit wires, which diminishes aesthetics and requires time-consuming and prone-to-tangling or severing maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A conduit link system comprising upper, central, and lower link members that conceal electrical conduit within their housing, allowing for the suspension of loads without visible wires, with interlocking and electrically connecting components to transfer power from the ceiling to the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical conduit is wound through the chain to connect power source to suspended load, then power connection is achieved, but aesthetic value is diminished due to unsightly and tangled wires
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conduit is nested within the hollow interior cavity of each link member. The conduit passes through the center of the link members in a linear fashion, completely concealed by the outer housing of the links. This nesting principle allows the conduit to be protected and hidden within the decorative links, eliminating the unsightly appearance of exposed wires while maintaining the power connection function.
2Reliability
If electrical conduit is wound through the chain links, then power connection is established, but maintenance becomes time-consuming and prone to tangling or severing
Solution Approach 1:
The link system is divided into multiple modular link members (first link member, second link member, third link member, etc.), each containing a portion of the conduit. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance - if a problem occurs, individual links can be accessed or replaced without having to handle the entire length of conduit. The conduit is also segmented into sections, each protected within its own link housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is nested within the protective housing of each link member, which prevents tangling and physical damage. This nested structure eliminates the maintenance issues associated with exposed, moving conduit that can become tangled or severed, as the rigid link members provide permanent protection and structural support.
3Shape
If conduit is concealed within link members, then aesthetic value is enhanced by eliminating visible wires, but device complexity increases due to interlocking link structure
Solution Approach 1:
The functional elements (conduit protection, structural support, aesthetic appearance, and electrical connection) are merged into a single integrated link member structure. Each link member combines the housing that conceals the conduit with the structural links that provide suspension capability and the electrical connectors that maintain power flow. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each link member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for suspension, conceals and protects the electrical conduit, provides aesthetic appearance, and facilitates electrical connection to adjacent links. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while achieving the desired aesthetic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit link system for concealing conduit linking a power source in a ceiling to a suspended load such as a chandelier. The conduit link system generally includes an upper link member for mounting to a ceiling and electrically connecting to a power source. A first central link member will generally be interlocked and electrically connected to the upper link member. Additional central link members may be interlocked and electrically connected with the first central link member and other central link members depending on the distance from the power source to the load. A lower link member is linked and electrically connected to the lowest central link member. The lower link member may then be mounted to a load such as a chandelier. The electrical conduit is fully concealed within the housing of the link members, thus allowing the load to be suspended without the presence unsightly wires.